Summer Reading Program Begins June 8 at Great River Regional Library

St. Cloud, MN, May 2015: Great River Regional Library (GRRL) will begin its annual Summer Reading Program (SRP) for children and teens ages 0-18 on Monday, June 8, continuing through Saturday, Aug. 8. Two programs are offered, both with the theme, “Read To The Rhythm.” Both programs will feature activities built on a music theme, and include prize drawings.

Read To The Rhythm for ages 0-12

The Read To The Rhythm program for children from birth through age 12 has two age groups:

  • Children from birth to age 5
  • Children from age 3 through 6th grade

Parents of children ages 3 to 5 may choose which group is best for their child.

Children in both groups will be given a reading record on which to mark their reading activities. Children may read as much as they want and complete as many records as they like. Each record represents five hours of reading. Reading records must be completed and returned to the library by the end of the program in order for the child to be eligible for prize drawings.

Read To The Rhythm for Grade 6 to Grade 12

Teens in grades six through 12 are encouraged to complete and turn in reading records as the program progresses. Each completed reading record is an opportunity to win prizes in library prize drawings. Sixth-grade students may join either the teen or children’s program.

The goal for both programs is to encourage children to read during the summer school break. The Summer Reading Program emphasizes reading for pleasure, which has been shown to have beneficial effects on children’s reading skills. Participation in summer reading programs has been shown to reduce summer slide effects.

Libraries across the entire region are planning fun kick-off programs and special events to encourage participation. Numerous musicians will perform at area libraries. Singer/songwriter Paul Spring will perform at all 32 GRRL locations between June 8 and June 20. Check the events calendar on www.griver.org to find out about special programs at your local library.

Great River Regional Library (GRRL) provides library services at 32 public libraries in Benton, Morrison, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd and Wright Counties. It provides Central Minnesota residents with nearly 1 million books, CDs and DVDs, 250 public computers, programming and information services.

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